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Photofragmentation in linked donor-acceptor molecules. Intramolecular single electron transfer induced cleavage of a 1,2-diamine

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Chemical Society; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00071a015· OSTI ID:5115348
;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Rochester, NY (United States)

Two intramolecular donor-acceptor molecules which fragment by a single electron transfer initiated cation radical carbon-carbon bond cleavage have been synthesized and their photoreactivity studied. The intramolecular [open quotes]diads[close quotes] consist of a 1,2-diamine linked via an ester bond to either an anthraquinone or a 9,10-dicyanoanthracene electron-acceptor chromophore. As the covalent linkage between the donor and acceptor chromophores prevents solvent separation of the photogenerated radical ion pair, these systems provide a [open quotes]clock[close quotes] to examine directly competition between fragmentation and back electron transfer. The linked anthraquinone molecule fragments efficiently, with quantum yields approaching 80%, despite the inability of the photoproduced radical ions to separate. These high yields may be attributed to a slow, spin-forbidden back electron transfer and a rapid fragmentation. In contrast, the quantum yields for the dicyanoanthracene diad (reactive singlet) are markedly lower, less than 0.001 in benzene. The reactivity of comparable intermolecular donor-acceptor combinations is also reported. 54 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.

DOE Contract Number:
FG02-86ER13504
OSTI ID:
5115348
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Chemical Society; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society; (United States) Vol. 115:18; ISSN JACSAT; ISSN 0002-7863
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English